Living 4 Him

“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

On the surface, we trust many parts of this world.  We easily slip into chairs or flip on light switches, relying on a solid landing place or the power of electricity to light up a room.  But how much harder it is sometimes for us to believe that God is present, God possesses complete knowledge and his hand will provide. The weed of unbelief sprouts in our thoughts, limiting our perception of God’s abilities which in turn, limits what God can do in our lives. 

Matthew 13 describes the way Jesus’ hometown received him.  They questioned his credentials. They viewed him as a carpenter’s son, unable to attain such wisdom and power.  Verse 58 states he could not perform many miracles there because of their unbelief.

In Matthew 17, Jesus says if we simply have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains.  Unbelief blocks power from our lives, so pulling the weed of unbelief is essential to expanding our view of God, strengthening our understanding of God and stretching us into a wider, deeper faith. 

What do we believe about God?  It’s good for our spiritual selves to contemplate our convictions about God, taking note of where we stand strong and where we might falter.  Written, spoken or mental thoughts about God focus our minds on his power alone.  

A meaningful quote from Eugene Peterson in his book Traveling Light says it like this: Nothing counts more than what we think about God.  If we don’t get it right in our minds, we won’t get it right in our lives.  

Words of scripture, prayers and praise, devotions of direction, encounters and experience all contribute to the belief base we construct.  Without a foundation of faith, we stand shaky.  Keeping these beliefs intact in our daily lives takes determination, placing our beliefs before our actions. Much like we hit the “save” button when working on the computer, our minds need to save the glorious, unending riches that God offers to us.

One more observation about weeds . . .

I have noticed that as the plants grow bigger, the weeds grow less because they don’t receive as much light.  God has been described as an almighty shadow (Psalm 91), a shield around us (Psalm 3), and a shade at our right hand (Psalm 121).  These images offer protection from weeds that infest our minds.

But God is also light and we require the nourishment of his light to grow successfully.  Can God be both a sheltering shadow and living light?  Yes, he can.  These opposing models of God’s abilities expand the reality of who God is.  He can be both the illumination and the protection our spirits need.   

God’s supreme ability allows him to reign in every life and supply to each person what is relevant in any situation.  God works, not as a magician, making the right things appear, but as a caretaker; leading, helping, growing, supporting, encouraging and giving. 

When this belief takes root in you, your faith will soar to new heights!

**Enjoy the acrostic poem below as you strengthen your faith in the days ahead.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your souls):  Read Matthew 13:53-58 and Matthew 17: 14-20 for detailed accounts of the scriptures mentioned in this devotion. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Before your day begins or before the day ends, use the words “I believe” to make several statements about what you believe about God. 

Be assured,

Every moment you

Live, because God

Is near, guiding you to

Each place you need to be.

Victory is your destiny!

Elevate your eyes and BELIEVE!